By David Tepera, May 29, 2024

When Tina, Dylan and I were competing in the bodybuilding world, we always felt our bodies were not ready going into the last week of preparation. It’s typical for all competitors to be skeptical or afraid of embarrassing themselves on stage in front of a thousand strangers.

We knew the biggest battle was in our minds, so we took turns encouraging each other to stay on the journey. Between the three of us, we competed in more than 15 shows and never quit.

What’s preventing you from stepping out and trying something new? If you feel stuck in your current situation, then do something about it. The only person stopping you is you. I promise, no one is thinking about your successes or failures. We all have our personal stresses in life, and that’s what takes up our minds.

The biggest battle you’re dealing with is in your head. It doesn’t matter what has happened in the past that made you lose confidence. You must find a way to take small steps of accomplishments to realize that you are smart, ambitious, beautiful and can overcome any adverse situation.

Being in the fitness industry, we are fortunate to guest speak across the country covering a variety of health and motivational topics. One thing that is common with most people we encounter is how critical they are of themselves.

It’s no secret, we are our worst enemy. We become too detailed with our imperfections. Remember, it’s those differences that makes us unique from others.

An important message that’s in the introduction of most of my speeches is “no matter how you look at this very moment, there are millions of people who find you attractive.” Bottom line, quit beating yourself up because you are already beautiful. The plan is to build confidence to go out in this world and kick some butt.

Isn’t it time to confront the person who lives in your head? What’s preventing you from being happy? Don’t let others make you miserable. You are better than that and deserve more.

Today, you choose happiness over sadness. Look in the mirror and check out that beautiful person staring back. Notice, how no one is holding you back. It’s time to regain your confidence and let the haters go. Miserable people put down others to feel better about themselves.

Now, put the get back in your getter-up, so you can win the battle in your mind. You got this!